Air Fryer Bison Meatballs

Hello, flavor! These delicious and juicy air fryer bison meatballs will wake up your tastebuds and bring everyone to the dinner table.

Everyone loves meatballs, but they can get kinda boring when you keep making them the same way. That’s why this recipe is what you should make for dinner. These homemade meatballs are made without beef, giving you something new to try.

This is one of my favorite recipes for ground bison. With the air fryer, you can make these meatballs for a quick dinner or lunch!

If you love meatball recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Albanian Meatballs, Air Fryer Beyond Meatballs, Vegan Chickpea Meatballs, Air Fryer Porcupine Meatballs, or Air Fryer Teriyaki Meatballs.

Serve these air-fried bison meatballs with your favorite sauce for a great meal.

Why make bison meatballs

• Healthier Alternative: Bison is lower in fat and cholesterol compared to beef, making it a leaner choice for meatballs. This makes it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthier diet without sacrificing flavor.
• Rich Flavor: Bison meat has a rich, slightly sweet flavor that stands out in meatballs. This unique taste can add a gourmet touch to your meals, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• High Protein Content: Bison is packed with protein, essential for muscle building and repair. Including bison meatballs in your diet can help meet your protein needs while keeping your meals delicious.
• Sustainable Choice: Bison is often raised on open pastures with fewer antibiotics and hormones. Opting for bison meatballs supports more sustainable and ethical food practices, benefiting both the environment and animal welfare.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the simple ingredients you will need:

Remember the full recipe are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

• Ground Bison: You can also grind your own bison
• Bread Crumbs: Use panko bread crumbs or regular breadcrumbs; you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs.
• Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
• Egg: This will help bind the bison meatball together.
• Seasoning and Spices: Parsley, Minced Garlic (or garlic powder), Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes
• Favorite Marinara Sauce
• Cooking Spray: Or use olive oil.

How To Make Air Fryer Bison Meatballs

Read on to learn how to cook bison meatballs in an air fryer!

Prepare The Bison Meatball Mixture

Combine the ground bison, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, parsley, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a big bowl. Mix well to combine.

Form Your Bison Meatballs

Roll the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter using your hands. Preheat the air fryer, to 375 degrees F, for 3-5 minutes using the air frying setting.

Air Fry Bison Meatballs

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, or brush the basket with olive oil. Place the meatballs in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other. Cook the meatballs for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly. Remove when the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F, placing a meat thermometer into the center of the bison meatball with a meat thermometer.

Serving

Once the meatballs are cooked and browned on the outside, remove them from the air fryer basket using tongs or a spatula. Let the meatballs cool for a few minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Bison Meatballs Recipe Variations

• Keto and Low-Carb Bison Meatballs: For a low carb or keto-friendly twist, use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs to keep the meatballs low in carbs while still maintaining a good texture. Additionally, omit any high-carb ingredients and focus on seasoning to enhance flavor.
• Gluten-Free Bison Meatballs: To make your bison meatballs gluten-free, substitute traditional breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. This ensures that the meatballs remain tender and flavorful without compromising dietary needs.
• Oven Baked Bison Meatball: If you prefer oven-baked meatballs, place them on a baking sheet and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This method gives the meatballs a crispy exterior while keeping them juicy inside.

Air Fryer Bison Meatballs Recipe Tips

• Use Lean Bison: Choose lean ground bison with a low-fat content to make your meatballs healthier and more flavorful.
• Add Moisture: Bison meat can be pretty lean, so adding moisture is essential to prevent the meatballs from drying out in the air fryer.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Leave enough space between the meatballs in the air fryer basket to allow the hot air to circulate them evenly.
• Use Cooking Spray: Use cooking spray to coat the air fryer basket and the meatballs before cooking. This will prevent sticking and help the meatballs become crispy.
• Check the Temperature: Check the internal temperature of the bison meatballs with a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. The temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) for ground bison.

Serving Suggestions

• Salad: A fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great light and healthy option for air-fried bison meatballs.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions make a great side dish for bison meatballs.
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary and garlic are a delicious and filling side dish for bison meatballs.
• Pasta: Serve bison meatballs over a bed of your favorite pasta with a tomato-based sauce for a hearty and comforting meal.
• Rice: A side of rice seasoned with herbs and spices is a simple and easy accompaniment for bison meatballs.
• Bread: Serve bison meatballs with garlic or crusty bread for a filling and comforting meal.

FAQs

Storing

• Refrigerator: Place the leftover bison meatballs in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap each leftover bison meatball in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. These are the perfect meatballs for meal prep.

How To Reheat Bison Meatballs In Air Fryer

By storing your leftover bison meatballs properly and reheating them using one of these methods, you can enjoy a tasty and protein-packed meal again and again.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Meatballs
• Easy Air Fryer Italian Sausage
• Air Fryer Meatball Sub
• Air Fryer Italian Meatballs